Unknown Luftwaffe airmen

[Brian]

Hi guys

I am still endeavouring to establish the identities of two German airmen killed during the Battle of Britain:

17/8/40: Crewmember of He111 of 1.(F)/122 killed by flak

4/10/40: Crewmember of Do17 of 5./KG3 killed by fighter

Cheers
Brian

[Peter Cornwell]

August 17, 1940: 1.(F)/122 Heinkel He111H-3. Lost bearings during transfer flight over the Ruhr, blundered into German flak zone, and shot down at Niederstütter, near Hattingen, 10.00 p.m. FF Fw Adolf Hetzer killed, BM Gefr Theodor Stürwald slightly injured, rest of crew unhurt. Aircraft 100% write-off.
A civilian named Haase, an engine-fitter from the Junkers works, was also slightly injured in this incident and admitted to hospital in Wüppertal.

October 4, 1940: 5./KG3 Dornier Do17Z-2 (3343). Attacked by German fighter near Vlissingen during proving flight and crashed by the Zuidlangeweg, south of Colijnsplaat, North Beveland 5.10 p.m. FF Fw Friedrich Kralemann and BM Uffz Rudolf Großmann both badly wounded, Uffz Herbert Scheidewig (1 Wart), and Prfmstr Hans Meyer both slightly wounded - all taken to hospital in Goes, Prfmstr Erich Meyer (of Stab II./KG3) killed. Aircraft 5K+KN 80% damaged - write-off.
The pilot was subsequently court-martialed for not carrying recognition flares on this flight.

[Brian]

Excellent, Peter, thanks very much.

I am not familiar with the rank 'Prfmstr'

I note two Meyers on board - brothers?

Cheers
Brian

[Marcel Hogenhuis]

Hello Brian,

A 'Prfmstr' is an abbreviation for 'Prüfmeister', after a proving flight he has to confirm that what has to be tested is working properly.

If one has a considerable experience with tasting beer, you may call yourselves a Prüfmeister too haha!

All the best, Marcel
www.fliegerhorst-venlo.net

[Brian]

Hi Marcel

Viewing your picture on the posting, I am of the opinion that you are too young to know anything about beer!

Prüfmeister of hops!

Cheers
Brian

[Peter Cornwell]

Brian,

To the best of my knowledge they were not brothers. Meyer is an extremely common German surname.

[Brian]

Thanks Peter

I have another unidentified crew with which you may be able to help, please

On 27 April 1940, a Do17 of I/KG76 crashed near Boblingen with loss of all crew. Any ideas on identities?

Cheers
Brian

[Peter Cornwell]

April 27, 1940: I./KG76 Dornier Do17Z. Crashed near Nordhausen from 1200 feet, pilot believed blinded by searchlights. FF Lt Paul Gerhard Mirtschin, BO Uffz Pankraz Arnold, BF Uffz Rudolph Junghans, and BM Uffz Anton Durdziak all killed. Aircraft 100% write-off.